1917 Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese Woodblock Prints 47 Ronin Samurai Lot of 4

Utagawa Kuniyoshi Seichu Gishi Den 1917 Woodblock Prints 47 Ronin Lot of 4

Description

Antique 1917 Japanese Woodblock Print Set – Utagawa Kuniyoshi – Seichū Gishi Den / 47 Rōnin

Offered here is a wonderful matching group of four Japanese woodblock prints after Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) from his celebrated Seichū Gishi Den, commonly translated as Stories/Biographies of the Loyal and Righteous Samurai.

The original Seichū Gishi Den series was designed by Kuniyoshi in 1847–1848 and depicts members and figures associated with the legendary Forty-Seven Rōnin, one of the most famous samurai stories in Japanese history.

These examples are identified as a 1917 Taishō-era Japanese woodblock edition/reissue, published many decades after Kuniyoshi’s original Edo-period series.

Details:

• Artist/design: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861)
• Series: Seichū Gishi Den / The Loyal Retainers
• Subject: Samurai / 47 Rōnin / Japanese warrior figures
• Edition: 1917 Taishō-era reissue
• Country: Japan
• Technique: Color woodblock printing
• Approximate size: 10 x 7 inches each
• Quantity: 4 prints
• Sold together as one matching group

The prints include wonderfully detailed depictions of samurai in traditional clothing and armor, including armed warrior subjects and dramatic character portraits. Kuniyoshi was one of the great masters of musha-e, or Japanese warrior prints, and the original Seichū Gishi Den is among his best-known samurai series. The British Museum holds original-period examples from the series. 

Condition:
Antique condition with expected age-related toning and discoloration to the paper, scattered foxing/spotting, light creases and handling wear, and minor edge/corner wear. Colors remain attractive with good detail. The reverse sides show expected transfer/show-through from the printing process and age. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.